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INTELLIGENCE STUDIES
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS RIAP 177. Introduction to Intelligence Analysis This course is an introduction to the structure, function and process of the Intelligence Community in the disciplines of National Security, Law Enforcement, and Competitive Intelligence. First year students are exposed to basic skills in writing, research, and presentation. 3 credits. RIAP 178. Advanced Intelligence Analysis This course introduces students to the collection and analysis techniques used by entry level analysts. Students work on a term-long project that incorporates data basing, collection planning, organizational and link analysis, and structured analysis techniques. Computer software programs are used to enhance that analytical product. A threaded discussion of the psychology of intelligence analysis is integrated into course material. Prerequisite: RIAP 177. 3 credits. RIAP 250. Professional Communications Students in the Intelligence Studies program are about to enter what is often a large and complex professional world. In order to navigate that world, particularly in the search for employment, students need to learn how to make the most of the professional communication process. During this course, students will learn how to write an effective resumé, to write a cover letter that best expresses their goals and capabilities, to undergo a job interview and to communicate in a professional setting. 1 credit. RIAP 272. Terrorism This course fosters an understanding of the roots, development and impact of contemporary worldwide terrorism, especially in the United States, while using a simulated operational environment. 3 credits. RIAP 274. History of Intelligence This course examines the scope, elements and history of intelligence activities, especially the American experience. Particular attention is paid to the role of intelligence in a democratic society. 3 credits. RIAP 275. Writing for Intelligence This course introduces students to the fundamentals of effective intelligence writing and presentation. Emphasis is placed on the variety of forms of intelligence writing, briefing styles, and evaluations of intelligence products for form and substance, and application of numerous advanced analytical techniques. Prerequisite: 178. 3 credits. RIAP 276. Law Enforcement Intelligence This course is an introduction to law enforcement intelligence definitions, agencies, and methodologies of analysis. It reviews the mission and roles of the crime analyst at the local, state and federal levels.
Prerequisite: 178. 3 credits. RIAP 300. COMPETITIVE Intelligence This course explores the actionable information needs of modern business for competitive intelligence and business analysis. Practical exercises and open sources are employed. Prerequisite: 178. 3 credits. RIAP 305. Intelligence, The Military and Warfare This course explores the role of intelligence in the conduct and prosecution of armed conflict. The course traces the evolution of modern military organizations and the use of intelligence in the success or failure of these organizations. Current intelligence practices and methods employed by the US military are also discussed. Jr & Sr. only. 3 credits. RIAP 310. Special Topics: Cyber Analysis This course serves as an introduction to Cyber Analysis. Cyber Analysts support national and homeland security by focusing on cyber threats to U.S. critical infrastructure across numerous sectors, beyond just the information and telecommunications infrastructure. The course will also relate Cyber Analysis to topics such as cyber crime and cyber terrorism. At the end of this course, the students will be able to explain and discuss the Cyber Analysis discipline and the role of a Cyber Analyst in today’s world of Intelligence. Offered 2010-2011. 3 credits
INTELLIGENCE STUDIES
RIAP 365. Advanced Competitive Intelligence This course encompasses a more in-depth perspective of business and competitive intelligence utilizing additional analytical methodology. Lessons entail researching advanced models and techniques and applying a series of these methodologies to a term-long company project. Students issue various analytical reports for the final product that also includes key findings and strategic implications in the form of a written document and virtual site. Students then present their final product to the decision maker and/ or representative of the company. 3 credits. RIAP 425. Strategic Intelligence This course is divided into three parallel tracks covering strategic theory, the practice of strategic intelligence, and the application of those principles to a “reallife” problem. Analysts will participate throughout the course as a member of a group in a large-scale estimative project. Prerequisite: RIAP 275. 3 credits. RIAP 475/495. Co-op/Internship Students engage in a period of employment (minimum 60 days) as an intelligence analyst with a government, international agency, or corporation during which certain experience objectives must be met. Co-op paid; Internship unpaid. Prerequisite: RIAP 178 3-9 credits.
RIAP 313. Intelligence and National Security This course is an introduction to national security decision-making in the United States with a special emphasis on the role of intelligence in formulating policy. Students will engage in a historical overview of national security politics and strategy since WWII and describe major institutions and processes involved in national security policy-making. The course is designed to survey significant national security problems and their changing nature in the 21st century. 3 credits. RIAP 315. IMPROVING INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS This course will explore intelligence analysis by examining its purpose, history, methods, processes, context, existing challenges and recommendations for improvement. It provides the opportunity to investigate debates within the intelligence world over such things as intelligence analysis as a science or art. Prerquisite RIAP 178. 3 credits. RIAP 320. Advanced Law Enforcement Intelligence This course will explore the theory and practical application of analytical methodologies to selected law enforcement intelligence topics. It will utilize the case studies methodology to understand the role and effect that intelligence influenced the out-come of historical events. Classroom projects will require critical thinking skills to produce an analytical intelligence product for law enforcement decision makers. Prerequisite: RIAP 276. 3 credits.
2011-2012 Mercyhurst College Course Catalog • www.mercyhurst.edu